Safety Engineering Fields of Application

Autonomous vehicles 

A future with driverless cars has the potential to make our roads safer by eliminating many driver-caused accidents. But to get there, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to apply safety principles to advanced systems for image processing, path planning and vehicle dynamic controls. And unlike more traditional systems, there’s little past mass-production experience to draw from.  Experts from UL Solutions Software Intensive Systems (SIS) can apply principles of risk management and safety assurance to your advanced autonomous vehicle (AV), whether it employs low-level automation or full level 5 autonomous driving. 

Advanced driver-assistance systems 

Drivers want a helping hand to keep them safe — without interference from malfunctioning electronics. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) must detect and react to situations seamlessly to become an extension of the driver. SIS experts understand the complexities of ADAS and the principles of functional safety. We can help you mitigate your risks and enhance the safety of the functionality of your ADAS, no matter the complexity. 

Powertrain 

Today’s cars are powered in a variety of ways, from traditional internal combustion (IC) engines to hybrid, electric and alternate fuel sources.  Transmission and driveline options can be overwhelming, with direct-shift gearboxes (DSG) and direct-drive gearboxes competing with traditional torque-converter automatics. Whether your safety concern is propulsion, deceleration, immobilization or charge control, SIS safety consultants bring expertise and practical know-how to help improve the safety of your powertrain. 

Hybrid and electric vehicles

Hybrid and electric vehicles have been on the road for more than a decade and are becoming a common sight on city streets. High-voltage power, battery management and torque security all play vital roles in developing the safety case. SIS experts have experience in advanced technologies including in-hub motors, battery management system (BMS) controls, advanced charging systems and more.

Semiconductors

Electronic systems rely on safety architectures implemented in the microcontroller domain. ISO 26262-11 deals with a wide variety of topics related to semiconductor development for safety, from verification processes to failure rate estimation to semiconductor intellectual property (IP) safety mechanisms. SIS safety consultants can help you develop safer semiconductor products using safer processes, and we can help you work with auditors and assessors to provide the documents necessary for certification.

Heavy trucks and buses

Although heavy trucks and buses now also fall under the scope of ISO 26262, this industry is unique, with a different industry structure, requirements and duty cycles. SIS has expertise in the heavy vehicle industry and knows how to work with both OEMs and suppliers to define and implement well-integrated systems that meet ISO 26262 requirements for functional safety.

Steering and chassis

Steering and stopping a vehicle, the two most important functions in safe vehicle control, have seen a lot of advancements in recent years. These functions now include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction and stability control, lane keeping assist system (LKAS), and automated steering. But as these functions advance to a higher and more intuitive state, the maintenance of safety becomes more challenging. SIS experts know about the intricacies of steering and braking and can tailor an approach for your project to help improve the safety of these most critical functions.

Body and interior

Body controllers perform a vast array of functions for customer convenience, comfort and safety. The complexity of these functions and the tailoring of control functions to specific vehicle configurations make documenting relationships between software artifacts a challenge. SIS experts can help you navigate this complexity, establish traceability in safety-critical cabin functions, and maintain safety for drivers and passengers alike.

To learn more, visit our automotive safety/SOTIF and functional safety services pages or contact our experts.